1. Preheat the Oven:
1.1 Set the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
2.1 Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
3.1 Beat the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Zest:
4.1 Incorporate the Eggs:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4.2 Add the Lemon Zest:
- Mix in the lemon zest and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
5.1 Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk:
- With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk and lemon juice. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Bake the Cake:
6.1 Transfer to Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6.2 Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be lightly golden and spring back when touched.
6.3 Cool:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Lemon Glaze:
7.1 Mix the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and optional lemon zest until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.
8. Glaze the Cake:
8.1 Drizzle the Glaze:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
9. Serve:
9.1 Enjoy:
- Slice and serve your Lemon Zest Cake as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries for an extra treat.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Zest Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature to ensure a smooth, even batter.
- Zesting Lemons: Use a microplane grater to finely zest the lemons, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- Extra Lemon Flavor: For an even stronger lemon flavor, add an additional tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter.
This Lemon Zest Cake is a refreshing, citrusy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The bright lemon flavor combined with the soft, tender crumb makes it a delightful treat that everyone will love!